It's 5:05pm, November 2nd. Lauren, Rachel, and I just practiced our questions for
Justified creator Graham Yost (writer for
The Pacific,
Boomtown,
Band of Brothers, and the list goes on. So, yeah, he's kind of a big deal). I think I have my questions down... sort of. And yeah, I guess I'm a touch nervous.
Graham enters the stage, we students get up from our seats to meet him, as per routine. We wait, mostly in silence, as Graham's makeup is applied. Hold on, what are my 4th and 5th questions... Crap.
Producer asks if everyone's ready... A and B cameras call back, "Speeding." Here we go, lock it up Gabe, no stuttering. "Hold on," somebody says, they need a minute. There's confusion.
Producer asks, "What's going on?" B camera answers again, "I said 'Speed' "
And then Graham chimes in - "
Speed...? I wrote that movie!"
He drops his head in mock disapproval of his own corny joke. I forget all about my nerves. I like this guy already.
* * *
The biggest value of LIFE AFTER FILM SCHOOL for me has been the close-up look at who these professionals of film and TV really are. I've realized that for some time I've imagined some elusive, unseen partition that separates me from the professional world of filmmaking. Do I break this barrier when I graduate film school? Maybe I have to make a feature first?
No. I think the answer is I'm here.
With the professionals. They aren't mythological gods. They're just very talented, ambitious, persistent, and often hilarious people. They don't take themselves too seriously because their work speaks for itself.
Fact is, no real partition exists between "student" and "professional". They are frames of mind separated only by an undetermined amount of experience, and a paycheck.
Students are capable of professional work, and professionals are always still learning (especially in this industry).
So, I'm a student, I'm still learning, and will be for the next 50... 60... rest-of-my-life odd years.
